Anyone else notice that Kevin Garnett has started hitting some pretty huge shots late in the game for the Wolves lately? That was always one of the knocks on him in the past (that he didn't want to take the big shot). He appears to be much more focused this year than ever before.

jrj

12-08-2003, 12:08 AM

absolutely. he nailed two threes in a row to send one game into overtime (and he isn't even a three-point shooter). and he nailed another game winning shot today.

Shaq Attack2

12-08-2003, 12:18 AM

KG is Mr. Clutch so far this season, yup.

dirno2000

12-08-2003, 09:32 AM

I've felt for the past couple of years that he got a bad rap. Sure, there was some truth to the argument that he wasn't selfish enough in the clutch. After the TNT crew ripped him in the playoffs, the reputation stuck with him. When you get labeled, it's hard to change perception (Mavs fans can attest to this).

The Sac game was a perfect example of why the Big 4 in the West should try to avoid the T-Wolves in the playoffs. KG is consistently good, so if Cassell and Spree get hot they are dangerous.

dirkformvp

12-08-2003, 10:30 AM

KG is a good all around player, they will pretty much almost be unstoppable when cassell and sprewell get hot, you cant forget about Wally, he is also a good player when he gets hot, the twolves are a very deadly team now

WayOutWest

12-08-2003, 10:44 AM

Originally posted by: dirkformvp
KG is a good all around player, they will pretty much almost be unstoppable when cassell and sprewell get hot, you cant forget about Wally, he is also a good player when he gets hot, the twolves are a very deadly team now

IMO, Wally has always been overrated. He's a great shooter but that's about it. Wally is pretty useless in the playoffs, he is a liability on defense and is easily contained on offense. Durring a playoff series you're able to key in on your opponents weaknesses. Wally needs time to get his shot off, he can't create space on his own to get his shot off either. He was completely shut down in the Lakers series because after game one the Lakers did not use Wally's man to double off on Garnett. If you stay at home on Wally he's a non-factor.

Casell and Spree are a totally different story. They can create their own shots or drive to the basket. They are going to be very dangerous in the playoffs. If Casell and Spree break defenses down with their slashing and penetration then even Wally will get some open looks.

kingrex

12-08-2003, 10:47 AM

Garnett has been labeled as a choker (expecially by TNT crew last year). No doubt he is talented, but unless he gets it done in the playoffs, he won't shed this label. No matter how many "clutch" shots he makes in the regular season. Do it when it counts is all what his critics have said.

Personally, I think he just needed to mature a bit more. Don't forget this kid jumped to the NBA directly from high school. His brain just needed to grow into his body. He's always had NBA physical skills, but now he is learning how to win with his head too. KG's coming of age (head-wise) will mean success for the T'pups this year.